4 Chapter 4: Arlo vs Aria.

"Vincent" called a voice behind the King, he turned his head to meet see the lackey whom he had sent "so, what's the news" he asked and then returned his gaze to the ongoing match.

The lackey shook his head "we couldn't find him Vincent, he didn't return back to the dorm and no one i spoke to saw him" he reported.

Vincent held his chin in thought, someone must have seen the kid, he's new here so he couldn't possibly know the way around this place. Or did someone call for the kid, his lackey too echoed the same thought too as he spoke "i think someone came for the kid Vincent, possibly the one whom is supposed to be responsible for him here".

Vincent made a face that said possibly but he still wasn't sure, the thing that actually irked him wasn't the kid leaving, it was he left without having the simple courtesy of telling him that he would be out for a bit. And this was after he offered the kid the opportunity to come here in good spirits, he just felt disrespected either way.

Wait why was he even willing to interact with the kid again? Oh right. He just felt a weird aura around the kid and that was what drew his attention, all it took was one look at him and he already saw the potential. And when they spoke it pushed his interest further, he had been king for a while so his senses for these things were almost always on point, he had only ever made one mistake and this wasn't the same as that time. It would never be the same as that time, he promised himself that. Vincent balled his fist unconsciously without being aware '/Meh, I'll see the kid soon enough. I shouldn't judge yet and there's still time, I'll be able to decipher the kid in that time and hopefully I'll be right about him/' he concluded and looked up "it's okay now you can go" he dismissed his lackey who nod his head and returned to his seat, Vincent continued to watch the rounds of matches unfold.

It was barely about five minutes later a new figure came up behind Vincent who seemed to be barely was paying attention as there was no reaction at all. The figure stood behind him for some more seconds with a smile on his lips and then stepped forward to seat on the empty seat right next to Vincent, crossing his legs and watching the match silently.

"What are you doing here" asked Vincent in the most coldest of tones still not removing his gaze from the match, you could feel the instant change in aura around him.

The figure smiled "is that how you greet your closest friend and successor Vincent" the figure spoke with smugness laced in his tone.

Vincent didn't respond to him for a while and only when the current match concluded did he reply "you're already a king so why aim for mine, you pretty much can do anything you want".

The smile left the figures face "a king and 'The' King are two different things Vincent, and besides you can't do anything to stop me. You'll be leaving soon and as the strongest male after you i get to naturally inherit it" he replied to Vincent who scoffed and smiled "you're no King Adam, and you never will be. You lost that qualification a while ago, if it was the you of way back then..you for sure has that qualification. The you of now...is pathetic".

The figure now revealed to he called Adam had a cold expression on his face but he returned to his smiling self a second later "you know, even after everything i still do respect you Vincent. If it weren't for you i wouldn't be as powerful as i am right now. You made me Vincent, and i will surpass you, it won't be long now" said Adam in a light tone with a bit of a mocking presence sprayed inside.

Vincent turned his gaze towards Adam for the first time since he arrived and smiled at him "you're not invincible Adam, i know i can't renounce your succession because of what i promised it doesn't mean i can't add another successor" said Vincent returning his gaze to the arena.

Adam for the first time felt a threat, another successor? That was impossible, there was no one else who was available and the hierarchy does not allow for a lower rank to be picked above a higher ranked and no one else was on his level except the other kings. But they couldn't be chosen because they weren't actually threats although they were on the same level, he had to be bluffing "you're bluffing Vincent, there's no other person here who could threaten me except for you who is above me. I would know if there was, not even you can hide things from me" said Adam not buying Vincent's words.

But Vincent still just smiled, it seems he really was going to take a gamble and he hadn't even inquired the kid's own opinion and was just making all the decisions for him. He didn't even know the kids ability or power level, all he was basing this off was the potential he felt in the kid. '/sorry Arlo, but it's too late now. All you can do now is try your best and I'll help you in anyway i can/' thought Vincent in his heart with pity, he really was pushing a five year old kid he just met to carry the burden of king and possibly fight this monster in the future. "I have no reason to lie Adam, i met my next successor today and he's even more of a monster than you are"

Adam's face was turning into an ugly scowl and those dark violet eyes of his glowed "so you really do want someone to due for you huh" he spoke with venom in his voice and started chuckling "bring it on Vincent, let me see what this new monster of yours can- he paused his speech when he felt a hand tap his shoulder.

He turned his head to see a spiky golden haired kid standing behind him, the kid was really short and his looks were really something to behold. Adam gazed straight at the unknown kid behind him "are you looking to die" he threatened the kid, he was sure he hadn't seen him before else he would have remembered but he wasn't in a good mood to think things calmly now.

Vincent too turned the moment he sensed him and was surprised the kid had returned "where have you been Arlo" he queried

Adam turned to him "you know him"

Vincent was about to answer but he paused for a moment, he recovered and replied yes to the question asked "anyways it was nice meeting you Adam, you can go now" he said with a tone of dismissal.

Adam felt insulted by that tone "what's the meaning of that tone Vincent, we may not be true equals or on the very best of terms but i still have my status" he said to him clearly demanding some level of respect even from someone like Vincent.

Vincent gazed straight at him with sharp eyes "do not overstay your welcome Adam, Leave" he emphasized on the end word.

Adam didn't bother to say anything else and diligently got up, Arlo moved a bit as he was in the way and let him pass then he moved forward and sat down on his seat all the while maintaining his silence.

Vincent too didn't bother to disturb his silence and this atmosphere was present for quite a while until he just gave up and broke it himself "so anything interesting happened that made you leave" he asked.

"Made a possible friend i think" he calmly replied still hearing Venus's words ring at the back of his mind.

Vincent nod his head "i see" was all he replied not bothering to ask things any further as that wasn't important right now, "i have something to ask of you Arlo"

Arlo's gaze shifted towards him as he wait for what was coming "are you interested in becoming King" Vincent asked. Arlo didn't reply to his question and just returned his gaze back to the arena, he wasn't surprised. It seems this dude really is on the line for something, he must not really want to give this position to someone irresponsible and everything was telling him that the blond guy who just left was his next in line.

From what he felt of him with their first encounter he really was not someone fit to be King, he felt like tyrannic chaos. Fighting breaks out in this place all the time but it's never direct tyrannical oppression just squabbles and there's the arena too but that is also done willfully. But with that guys attitude it would become actual tyranny which was not good for the hierarchy one bit, rebellions are sure to be created and it would create one big bowl if annoyance for Arlo if that's allowed.

But that doesn't mean it can't be checked, there exists both a Queen and an Ace. Although Arlo wasn't sure of Seraphina's level if sure felt higher than that guy and Vincent also, she would definitely share the same sentiment as he in this situation so there really wasn't anything that could push him to become King now, but if he doesn't accept he's dumping the future disaster and management of that guy on Seraphina which really wasn't good as it doesn't suit her.

He really was the best one for the job after all, he sighed internally "it's an interest of mine" he replied to Vincent after quite a bit of time, he really applauded this guy's patience.

Vincent nod his head, a bit of weight lifted off his chest, it seems he wasn't completely detached from the idea after all which was good as it would make things easier. If he decided to force it then it could backfire on not just him but everyone else, the boy was perfect for molding at such a young age. Thought Vincent as he was quite happy with the factor that was Arlo's age, he would be able to absorb everything he would impact onto him as he was now.

[AN: It should be obvious that there's no such thing as Saints now right, there's only just some who are a bit better and those who are much worse as everyone has a selfish desire of theirs. It doesn't mean there's no genuine feelings or relationships, but nobody is giving up their own plans or dreams as everyone has something that they want to achieve, protect or uphold

This is reality, everyone uses someone all the time whether knowingly or unknowingly].

Vincent smiled "i see, it won't be such an easy task you know that right"

Arlo nod his head and Vincent continued "but there's also not just one king too". Now this sorta surprised Arlo but not much, he still kept his calm composure and not letting his thoughts show on his face.

Vincent began exposing Arlo to more of the hierarchical system around this place...."In here there exists three Kings, three Queens and then there's Me. The King above the other kings, amongst the three kings I'm the strongest, no one matches me except for 'The Queen herself. She's the only one who's equal to me and although her level is a point higher than mine(4•1) we're still absolute equals in everything including combat also"

Arlo nod his head mentally as he received the information, this was quite interesting. So in actuality he and Seraphina were the strongest right now amongst every royal present, once her strength is discovered what would happen then. Will she take up her rightful position as Queen, Nah. The Ace is the most suitable position for her as they have less responsibilities, but it doesn't mean she's still not a Queen. Once a Queen always a Queen, same applied to his side too. There's no such thing as an ex-royal only ex-king or ex-queen. The position still remains even after you pass it on, unless you've been surpassed then you still remain either a King or a Queen.

Sometimes the Ace could be above the King or Queen in power level, but it's still doesn't change anything as positions are picked according to your character and stats.

"Can you tell me what your ability is Arlo" he asked with authority and seriousness present in his tone, he couldn't play around this time as he would need to know his Ability and power level in order for him to find ways he could fight Adam.

"Barrier" he answered. Vincent's eyes widened a bit, he was feeling incredibly underwhelmed but he decided not to fully jump the gun yet and ask further "so, what does your barrier do Arlo".

Arlo lift a brow as he wondered if he should share but he deemed it not important and just went ahead as there was no actual threat to him "Nigh indestructibility and reflective damage".

And so his attention was caught "you mean you have the ability to reflect attacks" he asked to make sure. Arlo nod his head and Vincent smiled, when was the last time someone with the ability to reflect attacks was here but he still inquired further "what type of damage are you able to reflect, physical alone or-

"Both, except for intangible type attacks" he finished and Vincent nod his head, yes. This was very much useful and although he still had things to ask, a demonstration would actually be much better. So after this tournament concludes he would be doing just that, the only reason he wasn't doing so now was because Adam's match is very much close and he wanted Arlo to take very real notes of this battle as it would help him get a much better understanding of whom he shall be facing in the future.

He really was thankful for such a convenient battle to take place on the same day he found a possible successor "after the tournament ends i would like a little spar for you to demonstrate your abilities Arlo if that's okay with you" he proposed.

Arlo agreed to it as he could use it to pass a bit of time, he hadn't actually fought anyone in his five years of existence on this plane, it would be nice to stretch a little.

[Meanwhile]

Aria was staring down Venus with one of the coldest looks ever seen, she wanted to know why she pulled that stunt with Arlo, someone whom she just met and knew nothing about "I'm waiting for your explanation" she spoke in a sharp tone.

Venus was still with a smile on her face sitting comfortably on the couch and sipping her hot tea "sit down Aria, I'll explain why" she spoke calmly not affected at all by Aria's attitude as she placed the tea cup on the side stool besides her.

Aria complied and sat down as she still wait for Venus to give her explanation.

Venus looked up at Aria's face and sighed *sigh* "seriously Aria, loosen up, you're damaging your beautiful face that way" she said but Aria wasn't in the mood "don't stall Venus, spill it" she demanded.

Venus threw her hands in the air in defeat "fiiine" her demeanor became more serious now as she began "You aware of how some healers have a good affinity at reading aura strengths and mine even blows others out the window".

Aria nod her head and Venus took a little sip again before continuing "that boy...is an absolute monster".

"What do you mean" she asked, Venus looked up again "don't tell me you couldn't find the abnormality with that boy". Aria didn't say anything but she understood her, he felt so weak yet everything from what he had done showed he wasn't so simple.

"So it seems you did get something huh, Aria-" she called and Aria raised her gaze to her, Venus looked very serious "that boy IS stronger than you" she dropped the bomb on her.

Aria didn't show any expression and just kept a straight face but Venus continued "and that's not all" she said which made a small feeling of tension rise up in Aria's heart.

"I've watched Vincent fight, I've seen and felt his strength but...i think-

"Stop" she interupted surprising Venus "I've heard enough" said Aria refusing to hear anymore, it was enough now "still doesn't explain why you pulled that move all of a sudden, i thought it was something else but it obviously wasn't".

Venus smiled "Nope nope, the first one was still part of it but the main reason was that i had to act fast. The kid is incredibly young and the future king without doubt. But that's not even the important part" she sipped her tea again and continued "I'm setting the stage for us to have connections with him, he's something the world has never seen before, an actual threat".

Aria raised a brow "why is he threat, he's like the greatest gift to the hierarchy right now isn't he" her tone indicating confusion but Venus still just smiled and shook her head "Oh Aria, you have no idea". The hierarchy wasn't that simple, there's no way they weren't aware of the kid. Imagine it, a potential level 10. Not even a 9, but 10. Where's the competition, they have no choice but to bow. When was the last time a 9 was seen in the world, let alone the peak power that is a level 10.

"If you think he's a threat then why would you want us to associate with him. Isn't that dangerous and most importantly, what about your precious peace? You didn't even ask of his parents" Aria listed out.

Venus almost choked on her tea "oh my goodness you're right. He...he probably isn't going to mind right" the tone of voice going lower at the end.

Aria sighed and rubbed her temples "my life" she said in a tone of defeat looking up at the ceiling.

She shrugged her concerns "anyways we have nothing to fear from the kid, if there was any need for worry it would be present in his aura" said Venus getting up and stretching "I'm going to bed now, I've been awake long enough" she said to Aria and lazily trotted her way to the room.

Aria sat silently on the couch sinking into her own thoughts, if Arlo's level really does surpass Vincent's as Venus suggested then he's the rightful king now. She was somehow extremely relieved about this because everyone knew the situation between Vincent and Adam, the day Vincent leaves is a day they all dread as the natural next in line was Adam.

But now that someone with a higher level than even Vincent has arrived he's already been silently dethroned, but Arlo's really incredibly young. There's no way he's garnering respect, if he or anyone were to even reveal his true level it would come off as an absolute joke. No one's believing that a kid of five was already a high-tier, it would break the absolute logic of the world they knew. Even now it still felt like a dream to her, but she knew Venus as aloof as she was about most things wouldn't joke about this.

The only real way everyone else will accept this new reality is if it's beaten into them and they will finally come to terms with the truth, and another thing was his mastery. That was the scary part of his ability, he wasn't just a kid with a lot of power and no idea how to use it. He really was just blessed with everything right from the start */lucky, truly lucky indeed/* thought Aria a bit jealous.

She put all these thoughts away and readied herself to return back to the arena, a battle between two kings would be going down and she would be lying if she said she wasn't interested. Either side wasn't to be underestimated but they all knew, the true monster amongst them.

Stepping out of the house Aria's eyes glowed as she began her race towards the arena, thank goodness she still had a seat reserved for her else she would have to stand watching the fight which was incredibly troublesome for her lazy self...

[At the Arena (somewhere backstage)]

In a empty waiting room two figures stood with their backs to the wall and one was bouncing a tennis ball off the walls and back, he had light blue eyes and silvery white hair with more than average looks. The figure next to him had light blue hair which resonated with his eyes and above average looks, "after this round you're gonna be up" the blue haired spoke.

The silver haired figure caught the ball one last time and dropped it as he took his back off the wall, he stretched his limbs and heaved a big breath of air then turned his gaze to the blue haired behind him "just stop" he was serious.

Rohan dropped his head down, he knew it was a lost cause but he still wanted to try. That bastard Adam, he doesn't understand why he was doing this. He's already a king and the strongest after Vincent so what was the need to challenge the others and as Kings they couldn't refuse the challenge because anyone has the right to start a ranking battle anytime they wanted and at any place. And they had no right to refuse because it can still be initiated anyways, almost no one came forward to challenge a king in years except for Adam who recently dethroned one and rose to power.

Does he plan to get through all the kings one by one and finally challenge Vincent, that'll be stupid. Silver looked at his friend and then looked at the watch on his hand */almost time now/* he said mentally and turned around to leave the room. It didn't matter if he lost or won, all that mattered was that he fought, and with that thought in mind he began on his way towards the arena...

[With Vincent]

The air around him had gone a little solemn, although he was happy to be giving his new possible successor a preview of his future opponent's abilities that didn't take away the anger in his heart, even his authority as king does not permit him to interfere in this. Amongst the other kings Silver was one of if not the closest friend to him and he knew his abilities, he wasn't weak at all. In fact silver was an abnormality but so was Adam, and an a dangerous one at that. But in no way would he ever underestimate Silver, not now and not ever. That guy is really capable of surprises, a smile formed on Vincent's lips without him knowing.

Minutes later the ongoing match finally came to an end and everyone's most anticipated match was next, the host ths time didn't announce anything. They all just looked up at the board that presented the two contestants, a clash of literal kings was about to take place. The excitement was immense, the rankings were about to be shaken again with this guy challenging two kings already. They all wondered if he was going to continue this way until he reaches Vincent, but that was pure suicide. Or maybe he could do it? They hoped he did, they really do. Vincent won't do it himself, they knew him all too well.

And so the contestants were brought on screen;

#[Image]

Name: Silver

Ability: Steal

Recorded LVL: 3•7

#[Image]

Name: Adam

Ability: Creation

Recorded LVL: 3•8

The light shone on both entrances as the contestants stepped out onto the arena, Adam with a smile on his face and Silver with an unreadable and calm look as they both stood 10meters away from each other. There was no countdown this time, these two would begin on their own time, no one had the right to interfere right now.

Adam looked at Silver with a look that he almost has never shown to anyone else "Respect". "Silver, i really do acknowledge you as an opponent. The most dangerous to face after Vincent and the Queen herself, so I'll give my all because i know with the slightest slip i am doomed for a loss" he spoke with extreme calmness as his demeanor turned to one of absolute focus.

The level difference between them was stupidly inconsequential that you couldn't find the strength to laugh once you find out the truth of how dangerous Silver was exactly as an opponent, Adam slightly smiled as he felt his heart pump in excitement but he maintained full control of his emotions.

A drawn out battle with Silver is suicide so he had to end this quick, both their eyes glowed and so the match began.

Above both of them multiple red energy construct swords and spears were formed floating above them and about 3 Ak's plus 2 rocket launchers floated on both sides of Adam.

Silver still had that passive unreadable look on his face and so the swords launched down at high speeds but silver weaved through them and around and then instantly vanished as the Ak's began firing bullets, appearing 3 meters away from the firing focal point.

Adam controlled them and launched the rocket launchers this time also at where he was plus manifesting more swords after the formerly launched weapons dissipated into air, Silver moved around the bullets and it was almost like he was shifting because after images were being created after his every movement with rockets missing and causing explosions after hitting the ground.

Adam groaned inside in frustration, he was holding off on going close to because he had no idea what ability Silver had stolen before coming here. He had to flush them out, but then there was the death sentence hanging over his head and that was, the possibility that Silver was in fact slowly but surely stealing his ability too.

If he gave him the time to perfectly copy and replicate his ability then he was most definitely doomed, who knew what he could combine it with plus his other secret stolen ability. Adam destroyed his sword summonings and manifested huge thick energy chains with an extremely dangerous pointy head then swiped them all over the field and bursting the ground when they impacted it.

Silver's demeanor underwent a change, he shifted again and did a spin in the air then kicked the first chain away and turned to give a lunar kick to the other. But in this moment Adam smirked mentally as he de-summoned the chain throwing Silver off a little and then he fired the Ak's to Silver in mid air, it was too late to dodge now. Silver was done for, or so he thought.

A huge white energy construct shield manifested in front of Silver and blocked all the incoming energy bullets, Adam's gaze turned cold as he moved forward at high speeds to punch the shield into oblivion and Silver along with it.

He succeeded and burst through the shield but Silver was gone, Adam with his quick thinking manifested a safe around himself and the next moment silver impacted it with a punch which cracked the construct but it wasn't destroyed yet.

Adam unleashed multiple thick spikes from all around the safe then de-summoned it to move far back in an instant but as soon as he released the construct multiple guns fired off at him, an energy outline appeared around him as he crossed his arms in block.

He fell backwards as the mural the bullets unleashed on him but then he returned with his own attack but manifesting his own guns and firing them off, it had now become a clash of bullets, Adam's body was being impacted by hundreds of them while Silver had a shield in front of him taking the bullets for him but his vision Wasn't impaired as he still had clear sight of his enemy.

Adam finally had enough, and stopped everything. He didn't affect just his attack but Silver's also, he waved his hand and dissipated everything and looked up to heave a breath "that was truly fun Silver" his voice carried excitement as he cracked at his neck "now, let's have a real battle and. I was going to end this quick but i really do want to enjoy this" and then he gave a wide toothed smile.

"How good is your mastery over my power Silver, because I'm about to show you what a true master is" said Adam as he snapped his fingers and suddenly an explosion impacted Silver's body. And then multiple chains of explosions set off, it came from all sides. The ground, the air just all around.

They weren't dangerous enough to cause death to someone like Silver but it sure wasn't child's play as they rocked his body all around back and forth and completely trapping him with no hope of escape.

Silver couldn't focus enough to even think as the attacks were too fast and too spontaneous, all he could do now was just eat the explosions from all angles. A full minute later things had finally begun to die down as the explosions became lesser and lesser until it came to a full stop. All that was left now was a badly damaged and bleeding Silver laying flat on the floor with pieces of his clothes barely hanging onto him.

Adam stared straight at the lying Silver and walked over to him as he squat before him and said "you have no idea how hard it was to make that, the control needed to regulate all those explosions. I know fighting you head on was suicide due to how unpredictable you are, so i played you Silver, right from the very start. Your extreme calmness and unwillingness to expose all your cards at the beginning, i purposely made it obvious i wanted to push it out and you of course caught onto it. But it wasn't all perfect cause i miscalculated a bit, you got my ability before i was able to completely set up my explosion chain.

It took a while you know, it's so much easier to just create swords and spears or shields than anything else. It was good while it lasted Silver, shame i never got to see all your hands, perhaps you could have won" Adam shook his head in pity as he stood up and walked away leaving the bloodied and near Unconscious Silver out on the Arena.

<STAB>

Everyone's eyes widened but Vincent was that only one with a smile on his face */I knew it couldn't be over like that Silver, there was no way you weren't getting that last lick in/* thought Vincent looking at his friend who had a slight smile on his face before finally falling Unconscious.

Adam angrily looked down at the katana embedded in his gut, he held his breath and pulled it put with a roar as he turned around to look at Silver with extreme rage in his eyes.

The host worked fast and announced "Silver is now unable to continue the match and Adam wins" he gestured to the lone Adam still angrily gazing at Silver, "tch" he protested and turned around leaving the arena completely as the medics came in immediately after to carefully pick Silver and take him to get treated.

And that was it, the last and final gladiator tournament match of the year. It ended on a brutal note as they were all expecting but still hoped it would have been different, Silver had a chance to win but he didn't play his card early enough. But Adam also didn't go all out, if they both did who knew if something might have changed.

Vincent's eyes glowed down as he looked towards Arlo, he had in fact been looking at him through his side vision to see check on his reaction but the boy had been extremely calm through out. There was only one time he had showed some sort of reaction but he saw wasn't expected, it felt like excitement of some sorts, he didn't know exactly what caused it but his eyes definitely did show it.

"so, what do you think Arlo. You got a glimpse of your future enemy who will undoubtedly become stronger later on" he asked as the people of the Arena began moving their assess, it was over now and it was getting late. They discussed as they went, people will come here eventually to clean the whole place up and fix the damages caused by attacks. Vincent's lackeys came towards him and stood behind "Should we wait Vincent" asked one of them.

Vincent put his hands up and stood up "go on, i still have something to do" he replied, they nod their heads in understanding and turned around to leave.

Arlo too stood up and Vincent gestured to him "come, let's see what you can do" and so he and Arlo went somewhere extremely silent and deserted. It was a large expanse of green land that had quite the bountiful amount of tree covers, and far ahead was a river stream flowing allong. Vincent turned around to look at Arlo "this place should be enough, almost no one comes here. "We'll be undisturbed here so no one's gonna be worrying about a kid attacking me and cause a scene" he said.

Arlo's eyes glowed and a golden yellow dome like barrier appeared around him, he nod his head to this "so you can actually project it onto something too" he deduced but then widened his eyes a little when he saw the barrier get smaller and smaller and then smiled "this, this is very dangerous. The casting of your ability is instant and I'm guessing you can shrink it faster too right".

Arlo nod his head and Vincent's smile grew more, the ability was so simple yet so dangerous. "Can you actually cast multiple barriers in multiple places or just one " he asked as this could be a potential weakness if he could only cast a single barrier.

Arlo cast another barrier meters away from Vincent which made him happy that Arlo wasn't stuck to one barrier but his face changed to surprise when he saw more and more domes pop out and then even in the air golden spheres were formed and still more and more were created, the sky was turning golden yellow.

Vincent's mouth was wide open in shock, */what the-/* he exclaimed mentally, what the hell is this kid. He can summon so much casually, is he ability really that easy and flexible to use or is he-. Vincent froze in that thought and pushed the absurdity of it all to the back of his mind. It probably was similar to that Adam except more simpler and less taxing to use.

Vincent looked down at Arlo and smiled "it seems you're really one lucky kid huh, you practically don't even have to work for your mastery with how easy it is for you to summon this much" he complimented, Arlo un-summoned all the spheres and stood looking at Vincent with the same normal look he had been maintaining from the very beginning.

Vincent's eyes glowed as he smirked "how strong are you physically, defense types usually have immense strength so show me" he said.

Arlo raised a brow, */well this is boring/* he said mentally to himself and then put his hand forward to Vincent's abdomen, he watched curiously as to what Arlo wanted to do but then he felt an immense force push him down hard to the ground slamming his ass on it.

He blinked multiple times, so the immense strength was confirmed, and it seems much stronger than that of others for his age and lev-. Wait he still had no idea about the kids level at all, Vincent floated up and turned himself upright "what's your level Arlo, i forgot to inquire thi- he was cut short in his speech when he saw a figure coming up on them.

Vincent scrunched his brows as he gazed up the incoming figure of Aria, did she follow him here for some reason or is she just here for another reason he wondered. Aria stopped a meter away and looked between both of them "Do you need something" he asked.

Aria shook her head "No, just came here to train, as usual" she replied. Vincent now remembered, he looked up to where the river ran, that was the best instrument to train her mastery over her power "well go on ahead Aria" he permitted.

Aria turned around and left to begin her training, Vincent turned his gaze back to Arlo who had fallen onto the grass and lay there basically tired from the way he looked which made Vincent think that his power may have been more taxing than he imagines, the kid was just strong. "Do you want me to take you back to the dorm" he asked him.

Arlo raised a mental brow, why would he want that, he could take himself there if he wanted. But he just gave a head shake to indicate he wasn't interested, Vincent nod his head and left the boy as he was and began on his way towards the dorm.

For the next hour or so Arlo had to hear the loud streaming of lightning and some boom sounds if destruction, he massaged the bridge if his nose and shook his head, */where's the peace when you want it/* he lamented mentally.

Arlo decided to sit up and watch since he couldn't lay in silence anymore, might as well accept the chaos if peace isn't an option.

<Boom>

Aria groaned "still far away from it" she said lifting herself up from the water and coming on land, she bent her head over to the side to squeeze out the water from it then her eyes glowed as massive amounts of electricity ran over her body. She continued this for a full minute before stopping the flow, her body was releasing steam after on but everything was back to normal now, her hair was still having some after effect sparks but at least her mission was accomplished.

She breathed out and began releasing her power in small amounts, self cultivation was really not easy. The fastest way to improve your power is through direct and challenging battles, she really wanted some sort of long fight against someone with the time, power and attitude to even engage in one but almost everyone here was beneath her level minus the other royals who were on her level or surpassed her.

Most of the mid-tiers would be unwilling and the elite tiers are sure out of the option for a partner, but she could initiate a challenge anytime she wanted too even if they are unwilling, it was the number one rule of this place. But it also wasn't her style to go around challenging people like a mad lad, that's why although harder and more taxing she still preferred self cultivation. Thank goodness she was a genius level potential even more than most and she had a goal, she had to breach 2•9 before the year ends.

Aria unleashed the full power of her lightning and made it run rampant at full power, with self cultivation the way to improve your level is to keep using and pushing your ability to the max over and over again and also willfully controlling the power output, the reach and then the versatility. She took a step forward and stepped one foot onto the river, her lightning travelled through it but she wanted to feel it and grasp it, she could sense the electrical and charged properties in the water but taking control of it was the issue.

*/*sigh* I wish there was actual rain and natural lightning/* that for sure would help, but that wasn't happening. The dome above does not allow for that, this place is just basically one bio engineered man made land. Everything is totally regulated and kept in perfect condition, the air is incredibly fresh and as for sunlight there's a solar energy regulation system in place for that.

After about an hour of pushing her ability to the max over and over again, tiring herself out but still pushing it and aiming to increase her strength she decided to move onto the next step which was she train her speed, power and reflexes.

She opened her eyes and looked up to see a glowing figure covered in a golden translucent energy field, she didn't say anything and just stared at him but then dropped her gaze as she continued her training. First things first, a race of maneuverability and flexibility. The trees were the best obstacles for this course, the lightning raged all around her as she prepared to begin but paused when she was asked something.

"Would you like to spar" he asked, she looked up at him and raised a brow. Arlo floated downwards and came in front of her with his tail swaying hypnotically behind him as he gazed straight at her and she gazed back "you'll get hurt" she answered not revealing anything about her knowledge yet and wanting to see if he would actually be willing to reveal it himself.

"I doubt it, I'm invulnerable" he replied back and the two entered a staring contest, Aria finally cracked a small tiny smile and stepped back as she her eyes glowed but this time there was something different. Her light blue eyes were having a purple tinge appear around them, it was so light and obscure that even if you were to stare directly into her eyes for a full five minutes you still may not notice it .

She too had her secrets that almost no one knew about, "since you trust your invulnerability that much i won't hold back then, have you ever fought before" she asked.

Arlo shook his head and replied "i basically don't need combat lessons, my ability basically just crushes any opponent i fight so it's pointless. Plus with my immense strength and speed i still have no worries if i ever get breached" he answered with utmost calm and no fluctuations in either tone or facial expression, it just felt so ordered and apathetic.

This was new, his tone wasn't like this before. Or maybe this is just another side of he hadn't shown before, The field around Arlo was removed and fell to the ground "I'm not going to fight with my barrier cause it'll only annoy you, I'm going to try stepping out of my comfort zone".

Aria got what he meant, actual hand to hand combat. She looked down at him "you're really short, you have an advantage here for evasion but that's if you're fast enough to" she said to him. Arlo just looked at her saying nothing and for the first time Aria could've sworn she saw something, it was almost as if he was...annoyed?. She really couldn't be sure with that apathetic look of his.

Arlo lightly held onto the silver crucifix earring on his left ear for a moment and then dropped his hand, this caught Aria's attention because she didn't even notice that all this while "is it something precious to you, do want to keep it safe so as not to cause any accidents" she inquired but Arlo shook his head "it's just looks cool for me" he answered.

"I see". And then without warning she sent a stream of lightning from her feet towards Arlo who stood in place and ate the attack without flinching, he instead moved forward and threw a punch towards her gut but she stepped to the side and gave a knee towards his face which he caught with his palm and with his quick reflexes threw her before she could retract her leg.

She spun in the air and widened her eyes when she saw his face close to hers and then crossed her arms in a block as he punched her sending her flying 10's of meters away until she spun herself and landed on the ground, dodging the very next instant as an overhead kick went over and then touching her hand to the ground as she rotated her body to give a lightning enhanced kick to Arlo's sides which connected but the one who took damage wasn't him.

Aria's eyes widened as she felt exactly what she had just kicked, it was like she was kicking steel and her own damage attack was reflected back at her as blood burst from her leg. She spun again and created distance between them as she looked at her leg, it was almost like a upward spiral ring of damage and cuts with blood flowing out of them. At least her bone wasn't broken and it was just surface but it still hurt like hell, she looked up at Arlo who stood in silence gazing at her.

She already guessed it, his passive ability was what damaged her as his eyes weren't glowing in that moment. So he's not only invulnerable but also has passive reflection too huh, he was indeed a real pain to fight on all sides.

The purplish tinge in her eyes became less obscure but still not as easily seen, she blitzed over to Arlo, her speed was much greater this time but Arlo still evaded or so he thought. He felt her hand hold his wrist and with immense strength slam him down into the ground, she locked his arm and twisted but nothing happened. She did it again but still nothing happened, seriously how strong is he exactly she wondered as she couldn't even hope to budge it from this point on.

Arlo raised his face off the ground still with that same apathetic look of his but then Aria streamed a massive amount of electricity from her hands to Arlo's body which just raged on violently all over him. The glow of her eyes became more pronounced, this time she was poured in lethal amounts of electricity over him.

But something strange happened again, all her power was somehow getting directed over to her and she yelled in pain as her own lightning struck her back three folds more powerful than what she initially released. She released her lock on his arm and released her own power again to offset her own lightning that was raging all over hee body, she managed to offset most of it but there was still damage.

She panted heavily and on her knees, she really couldn't believe what just happened. Her own lightning was reflected too, and even more powerful than what she released. How could that be, she had massive resistance to electricity as a result of her ability but this nearly beyond what she could take at this stage. Was this how far his passive ability went, if so why didn't her first attack get reflect--no. It did get reflected, it was just didn't register on her radar because the stronger electrical current she put out overpowered that one. The power she put into it was just something of a test to surprise him and was incredibly weak by her standards.

Arlo smiled slightly, this was a new passive ability he developed. Well it wasn't entirely different, it wad more like his ability evolved. He felt it the moment his power stepped into the 9th level, although his ability had been dampened way below that level a passive ability is still forever so there's no going back. His ability right now couldn't even be called reflection as it became something more of a reversal and he not only reverses them, he also increases the original power output three folds more than the original, for now anyways.

Aria grit her teeth and stood up, the purplish tint in her eyes had now formed an outer layered ring around her iris and her lightning raged once more, this time incredibly more powerful than before and occasionally a purple streak of lightning would show up.

Arlo raised a brow as he noticed the Abnormality, that was weird. Purple lightning, did she actually possess double variations of the same power, if so how dangerous is her second variation. The blue lightning represents her eye color so the purple should represent her hair color, his interest was piqued.

Arlo moved towards her but she reacted and jumped back and threw a lightning attack towards him but it just rotated around him and flew right back at her three times as powerful, she moved her head to the side and avoided the strike. She stared down at Arlo, this guy was born to be an immense pain in the ass to fight, an actual cheat code type ability. What if Silver were to fight this guy *shudder* he's already another living cheat with his ability to steal other abilities.

Thank goodness he only could steal three at max and if he wanted to steal more he would have to sacrifice one of the existing copied ability, the real cheat was that he got to keep abilities that he stole and could almost use them on the same level as the original wielder and even sometimes surpass them due to his genius.

Aria kept on evading Arlo as she became more and more annoyed, she really can't fight this guy like this. And then there was another thing that irked her, he really was fighting her without even bothering to activate his ability, his eyes hadn't glowed ever since he turned off his barrier. All this guy needed was his passive ability to outclass almost any enemy he faces, he wasn't even bothering to hide it, that his level far surpassed something for his age.

She knew he was just toying with her right now and that just made her mad, even though he might surpass her in power it was the fact that a five year old kid was the one doing this to her. She dodged another grab attack by Arlo and finally lost it a little, he reached for her again but paused as he felt something was off.

The purple tint encroached closer in her iris and Arlo finally noticed it for the first time "they look really beautiful" was all he had to say about them which threw Aria off a bit but she regained herself. Of course he doesn't feel threatened by anything, not even the new change in her aura disturbs him even tho it's clearly not normal. He still had that casual and apathetic look on, his beautiful face was looking really punchable right now.

She had to try to find someway to hurt him even if it was actually impossible with his level and hers but she had to try, even if she breaks some bones in the process it'll be worth it, at least for her. A spark lit up around her body as she became a stream of purplish blue light in the darkness and vanished towards Arlo who put a palm out to catch her fist but at the last moment the punch became a grab as she instead ducked under and went to grab Arlo's shirt, then fling him incredibly high and move forward to grab him by his face and slam him into a tree bark, breaking it in in the process

If she can't fight him directly then either uses a weapon or use her environment itself, she Vanished again and Arlo stood up unfazed as he looked at the broken and twisted tree in front of him. He raised his hand to block the incredibly fast and thick branch swung at him by Aria which burst to the base upon contact with him leaving Aria to let go of it and Vanish again to reappear high in the air and throw another tree branch at super speeds towards him but he put his hand up and took the attack with his palm leaving the wood to burst again upon impact.

She dropped down and vanished again but this time he followed and so it became a race battle at super speeds as Arlo threw a punch the moment he caught up to her but she dodged and twisted her body mid air and used her legs to push Arlo away. It worked and he pushed back a certain distance and she crouched and vanished again but Arlo still caught up again and this time he caught her.

He held her arm and pulled her into him but then let go if and caught her face in a face, then he ran and bashed her body into a tree, breaking it half instantly. Aria grabbed onto his arm and tried to move it but Arlo had already begun another round as he vanished and bashed her into another tree and then still carried on, Aria groaned in pain as her body was used to break another tree, although she was extremely durable and her lightning aura formed an extra protective field around her it still hurt like hell, at this rate her back will be broken she thought.

Arlo kept on running but he put his feet down and sunk it into the ground and leaped high in the air as he suddenly leg go of her ans Aria immediately noticed what was going on but it was too late as a spinning kick was slammed directly into her gut, breaking her lightning field andknocking the wind out of her as she fell back down to ground in a boom and then rolled over and over until she came to a stop.

Arlo floated in the air with his force field coated around him looking down at Aria who lay on the ground Unconscious, a dome was formed around her and he pulled out more of it until it became a full sphere that she float in. He remembered the house coordinates and flew both of them there, he didn't go too fast but it was really fast as some people would look up to see a godlen yellow streak pass over them in a flash leaving them to wonder what exactly that was.

Arlo kept on going until he stopped and just suddenly de-activated his power and fell right straight down like a plane out of control with the sphere falling right down with him, he looked on as he got closer and closer to the ground and then began floating again before he hit it. It wasn't like he would get hurt, it was just because of thr commotion it would cause. He looked up ahead at the house in front of him and went forward to knock on it.

He waited but there was no answer so he knocked again and waited...but still no one answered the door. He looked at the Unconscious Aria in the sphere and then looked at the door, he placed his hand on the door and felt the lock on it then retracted his hand as he created a small golden orb above his palm and let it phase through the door.

A click was heard and he pushed the door open but raised a brow when he saw Venus standing behind there looking at him, his gaze went to the still floating orb and de-summoned it as he looked up again "sorry about that" he apologized.

She smiled and shook her head "it's okay, young ones are always impatient and you're welcome here anytime you like. You know that right?" She said, Arlo nod his head and pulled the sphere closer to him and Venus's face turned into one of complete defeat "Oh no, what caused this now" she asked as her tone turned lazy.

--"We fought".

Venus looked at him "hm?"

"It was a spar between both of us and she lost" he answered fully this time and Venus just gazed straight at him, he's really that uncaring about what he just accomplished huh, seems he really doesn't care if he's revealed and she bet he knew she probably already figured it out. She looked at the Aria, a spar huh, anyone with eyes knew it was an actual fight. Her aura felt very low she really must have expended herself "i guess you went easy on her" she reached for Aria in the sphere and had a smirk tug at her lips when her hand phased through it and pulled her out.

"Goodnight... Venus" and then he started ascending unti he was high enough and then flew right back towards the dorm, Venus watched him leave "what a free bird, I'll get him to take me flying sometime" she looked at Aria in her arms and stepped back into the house as she locked the door.....

EnD.